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Fonni (Panoramic View)

Fonni is one of the most characteristic places in Sardinia, rich in the fountains from which, according to tradition, derives the name (from the Latin Fons = Fontana o Dio delle Fonti).

The mountain town, a thousand metres high, is in the middle of the extraordinary scenery of the Gennargentu Park, an important natural area of Italy, and one which presents a rich variety of vegetation and animal life of particular interest.

The area boasts the presence of three important mountains. Monte Bruncu Spina, one of the highest mountains in Sardinia (1829m) and the only one which has a ski slope, ski lift and artificial snow machines for winter sports. Then there is Monte Spada (1595m) with its artificial ski slopes and also in this zone there is Punta la Marmora, the highest peak on the island at 1834 metres and from which you can gaze around 360º and see all the coastline of Sardinia in the distance.

The snowy blanket which covers the mountains in winter alternates with the spring- and summertime Mediterranean scrub and bushes which abound with species such as broom, the Sardinian thistle, thyme, helichrysum and Corsican violet

Among the woods of Holm and Downy oaks you can find “sos Barraccos”, ancient shepherd dwellings. During the walks it’s possible to discover spectacular waterfalls, hidden by thick woods of alder, poplar, holly and ancient yew.

The mouflon (a rare mountain sheep), the symbol of the fauna in the Barbagia, numerous birds of prey (among which the golden eagle), amphibians and reptiles bring life to the ancient forests and woods.

This is an ancient land, populated since the most distant times, as shown by the vast archaeological evidence coming down to our own times. Among these many examples is the archaeological area of Gremanu, the Nuragic necropolis of Madau and the area of Urrui.

There is an immense cultural and natural heritage here, with hundreds of kilometres of mountain paths which are accessible to visitors, thanks to the local guides, in all periods of the year.